By now you have probably made your plans for the holiday break, hauled out the tent to give it the once over and decided that this year you’ll splash out on a new camp cooker! But, before you head off, it pays to take a few precautions to protect your home and possessions. It could save you a lot of heartache on your return…

Maintain a ‘lived in’ appearance. Leave curtains and blinds as you normally do

Have mail redirected or held at the Post Shop and have a neighbour clear advertising material from your mailbox.

Create an awareness amongst neighbours of your intended absence and request they be alert to suspicious people or vehicles.

Lock away garden tools, ladders, etc which could be used to gain entry to your home

A timer is a cheap and easy way to turn on / off selected lights

External security lights are a great investment. Check the bulbs of existing lights before you leave.

Do not leave notes about your absence

Ask neighbours not to inform callers of your absence

Consider asking your bank about safe deposit boxes for your most valuable and irreplaceable possessions such as jewellery

Lock all doors and windows, and remember to include outbuildings and garage access doors

Record serial numbers of appliances and place inventory in a secure location, or take it with you. Photographs of expensive items and serial numbers is a quick and simple way to take a details inventory.

If you are away for more than five days, and you don’t want to return to dead plants on your return, arrange for a friend or neighbour to water your plants

Don’t forget your pets! Book them into a kennel or cattery, or have someone reliable pop in to take care of them daily.

With some of these simple steps in place, you can enjoy a holiday without worrying about what’s happening at home.